Overview

There are a few different causes of dry eye. The most common is a fault in the immune system that causes the body to attack and destroy the tear glands. The outlook for a dog with dry eye tends to be good if the condition is noticed early and treatment is continued for life.

Dry eye is more common in certain pedigree dogs.

Book an appointment with your vet if you notice any problems with your dog’s eye(s) – they are too important to leave to chance.

What is dry eye?

Dry eye is a very painful condition that prevents your dog producing tears. Some dogs with dry eye may be able to produce a small amount of tears but others won’t be able to produce any at all. Left untreated, dry eye gets worse over time.

Most cases of dry eye are due to a fault in your dog’s immune system. This fault causes the body to attack and destroy their own tear glands. More rarely, dry eye can develop due to faulty nerves leading to the tear glands (neurogenic dry eye), certain hormonal problems (e.g. hypothyroidism) or even as a side effects of certain medications.

This dog has dry eye. Note the sticky discharge and lack of shine in his eyes.

Surgery

An operation called ‘parotid duct transposition’ may be offered. The aim of this surgery is to redirect a tube that carries saliva into the eye. The saliva keeps the surface of the eye moist.

This surgery can be very effective, but in some dogs saliva can be quite irritating to the surface of the eye – for this reason surgery is usually left as a last resort.

If your vet doesn’t get to see your dog before a lot of damage has happened or, if the treatments don’t work, it is sometimes necessary to remove a badly damaged eye to relieve pain and suffering for your dog.

Outlook

Dry eye is a condition that gets worse over time if it’s not treated. If dry eye is noticed quickly and treatment is started straight away your dog will have a much better chance of keeping their bright healthy eyes.

Each dog will respond differently to the medication given. The outlook depends heavily on your dog’s response to treatment. Always follow your vets’ instructions carefully and be sure to give your dog all the medication they need at the correct times. Use our medication planner to help remind you when your dog’s medications need to be given.

Prevention

There is nothing you can do to prevent your dog developing dry eye. However, if you are considering getting a pedigree dog make sure you research the breed so you are aware of any potential health problems (including dry eye).

Cost

Dry eye is a condition that needs lifelong treatment, this can become very expensive. Consider insuring your dog as soon as you get them, before any signs of illness start. This will ensure you have all the support you need to care for them.

It’s also very important to speak openly to your vet about your finances, the cost of treatment, as well as what you think is right for your dog. There is often several treatment options so if one doesn’t work for you and your pet then the vet may be able to offer another.

Published: November 2018

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PetWise Pet Health Hub – brought to you thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery

Written by vets and vet nurses

Illustrations by Samantha Elmhurst

ABOUT PDSA

Founded in 1917 by animal welfare pioneer, Maria Dickin CBE, PDSA is the UK’s leading veterinary charity. Operating through a UK-wide network of 48 Pet Hospitals, PDSA provides low cost and free veterinary care to the sick and injured pets of people in need and promotes responsible pet ownership